Frederick “Fred” Allen Coates, 71, of Phoenix passed away Friday, July 6, 2018, in Gilbert, AZ. He was born on February 18,1947 in Chicago, Illinois to James and Elizabeth Coates. Fred was a U.S. Army Veteran. He joined the Army shortly after graduating from Lew Wallace High School in Gary, Indiana. While serving he received a National Defense Service medal, Sharp Shooter Badge and Marksman Badge. Fred worked for US Steel in Indiana. In 1971, he moved to Arizona where he was employed by Marathon Steel as a Foreman for 17 years. He went on to work for Central High School as a Grounds Keeper until he retired. On June 21, 1978, he married his soulmate, Bertha (Bertie). Fred was a loving and caring family man who had a zest for life. He enjoyed spending time with his kids, grandkids and great grandkids. He loved hunting, fishing and was a huge Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls and Norte Dame fan. Fred was very involved in the community. He was a volunteer member of the Luke – Greenway American Legion Post No. 1 for many years and served as an Executive Board Member, Senior Vice Commander and Junior Vice Commander. He received many awards and commendations for his volunteerism to include the Legionnaire of The Year Award in 2009. Fred is preceded in death by his parents, James and Elizabeth Coates; and brothers James, Joseph, Robert, Thomas and William Coates; and sisters Laura Roszkowiak, Irene Douglas and Jean Fabian. He is survived by his wife Bertie of 40 years; his children Margaret Lopez, Natalie Benitez, Daniel Benitez, Terri Arenas and John Benitez; son-in-law Ramon “Ray” Arenas; as well as 13 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. Fred leaves behind a brother, Charles Coates, sisters Laverne Gabriel and Dolores Carr and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. He will be sadly missed by everyone, including his canine companion, Pipa. Fred will be remembered for his unconditional love and devotion to his family, his patriotism, integrity, and his courageous will to fight til the end. Visitation and Service will be on Friday, July 13, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Whitney and Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ. Interment will follow at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, AZ. Join us for a celebration of Fred’s Life following the interment at the Luke-Greenway American Legion Post No. 1, 364 N 7th Ave., Phoenix, AZ.
Cathy (Roszkowiak) Tellez
Freddie, You were one of my favorite uncles and have many fond memories of visiting Grandmas in Tolleston and playing marbles and watching Shock Theatre on Saturday nights with you, my brother Ron and sister Judy. You now are in the good company of my Mom, Laura & the rest of your brothers & sister’s who have passed on. Bertie, my sincere condolences to you & your family. You have lost a good one.
Linda Perrah
So sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Louie Lindinger
My deepest condolences to Bertie and the rest of the Coates family. Fred and I graduated from Lew Wallace in 1965. He will be missed by all. Rest in Peace.
Randy Roszkowiak
One of my Fondest Memories with Uncle Fred, was comparing our Christmas card books to see who got the most Christmas cards sent to them that particular year. We would joke about eliminating people from our books who didn’t send us Christmas cards, and how they would have to apply for reinstatement to the book. I don’t think he ever eliminated anybody, because that’s the loving kind of person he was. I will continue the tradition without you Uncle, but it won’t be the same. RIP
Judy Hibberd
My thoughts and prayers are with you Bertie and your family on your loss of Fred . On hearing of his passing my thoughts of Freddie went back to when we were kids and the times spent together watching TV, playing with plastic army men and getting ice cream cones at Coizin’s Grocery right next door. He was my uncle though a year younger than me. RIP cuz till we meet again. Love, Judy Hibberd